Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease exists on a spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic diverticulosis to complicated diverticulitis. Incidence of diverticulitis in western nations has increased in recent years, although the factors that influence the progression from diverticulosis to diverticulitis are unknown. Geographic/environmental influences, lifestyle variables, and microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract are some of the factors implicated in diverticular disease.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (carrier) as possible risk factor for development of colonic diverticula. A multicentre prospective case-control study: the ALADDIN study

AIM

Connective tissue changes due to ageing or diseases leading to changes in the colonic wall are one theory for the development of diverticula. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), a protease inhibitor that protects connective tissue, possibly plays a role in the aetiology of diverticulosis. The aim of this study was to explore associations between the development of diverticula and A1AT deficiency.

METHODS

This was a multicentre prospective case-control study. A total of 221 patients aged ≥ 60 years with acute abdominal pain undergoing abdominal CT were included and analysed. Patients with diverticula were defined as the research group, patients without diverticula as controls. Genotype analysis for A1AT deficiency was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six of 221 (11.8%) patients were diagnosed with (being a carrier of) A1AT deficiency. A non-significant difference in prevalence between patients with and without diverticula was found, 20 (13.9%) of 144 vs 6 (7.8%) of 77, respectively, with a crude OR of 1.9 (95% CI 0.7-5.0; P = 0.186) and after adjustment for confounders an adjusted OR of 1.5 (95% CI 0.5-4.0; P = 0.466). A non-significant difference in 30-day mortality rate from acute diverticulitis between A1AT deficient patients (or carriers) and those without was observed: two (22.2%) of nine patients with A1AT deficiency vs 1 (1.8%) of 55 without.

CONCLUSION

We found no convincing evidence that A1AT deficiency plays a role in the aetiology of diverticulitis, although deficient patients and carriers had a higher mortality when experiencing diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a multifactorial disease and larger numbers may be needed to explore the role of A1AT deficiency among other contributing factors.

Damage control surgery for the treatment of perforated acute colonic diverticulitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) complications arise in approximately 8% to 35% patients and the most common ones are represented by phlegmon or abscess, followed by perforation, peritonitis, obstruction, and fistula. In accordance with current guidelines, patients affected by generalized peritonitis should undergo emergency surgery. However, decisions on whether and when to operate ACD patients remain a substantially debated topic while algorithm for the best treatment has not yet been determined. Damage control surgery (DCS) represents a well-established method in treating critically ill patients with traumatic abdomen injuries. At present, such surgical approach is also finding application in non-traumatic emergencies such as perforated ACD. Thanks to a thorough systematic review of the literature, we aimed at achieving deeper knowledge of both indications and short- and long-term outcomes related to DCS in perforated ACD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were used to search all related literature.

RESULTS

The 8 included articles covered an approximately 13 years study period (2006-2018), with a total 359 patient population. At presentation, most patients showed III and IV American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (81.6%) while having Hinchey III perforated ACD (69.9%). Most patients received a limited resection plus vacuum-assisted closure at first-look while about half entire population underwent primary resection anastomosis (PRA) at a second-look. Overall morbidity rate, 30-day mortality rate and overall mortality rate at follow-up were between 23% and 74%, 0% and 20%, 7% and 33%, respectively. Patients had a 100% definitive abdominal wall closure rate and a definitive stoma rate at follow-up ranging between 0% and 33%.

CONCLUSION

DCS application to ACD patients seems to offer good outcomes with a lower percentage of patients with definitive ostomy, if compared to Hartmann's procedure. However, correct definition of DCS eligible patients is paramount in avoiding overtreatment. In accordance to 2016 WSES (World Society of Emergency Surgery) Guidelines, DCS remains an effective surgical strategy in critically ill patients affected by sepsis/septic shock and hemodynamical unstability.

Robotic elective colectomy for diverticular disease: short-term outcomes of 80 patients

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the robotic approach on the minimally invasive elective treatment of diverticular disease.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent elective robotic colectomy for diverticular disease from January 2015 to February 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. Intraoperative and 30-day postoperative outcomes were the variables assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients (71% with prior complicated diverticulitis) met the inclusion criteria. Mean operative time was 241 min, one intraoperative complication (1.2%) was observed, the conversion rate was 2.5%. Mean hospital stay was 6.4 days and overall 30-day complication rate was 22.5%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) had minor complications, while major postoperative complications occurred in four patients (5%). Anastomotic leak rate was 3.9% and the 30-day readmission rate was 3.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic colectomy for diverticular disease has proven to be feasible and safe, with low intraoperative complications, conversion, and anastomotic leak rates.

Surgical Management of Recurrent Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

Sigmoid diverticulitis represents a most common gastroenterological diagnosis in the western world. There has been a significant change in the management of recurrent uncomplicated diverticulitis in the last 10 to 15 years. The absolute number of previous episodes is not used as criteria to recommend surgery anymore. Young age is no longer considered to be an indication for more aggressive surgical treatment. It is accepted that subsequent episodes of diverticulitis are not significantly worse than the first episode. Laparoscopic surgery is now the standard of care for elective surgery for diverticulitis where expertise is available. There is a consensus that decision to perform sigmoid colectomy should be individualized, after careful risk benefit assessment.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Colectomy for Perforated Diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that a laparoscopic approach to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis is associated with less morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

The NSQIP database was used to investigate adult patients who underwent emergent colectomy with end colostomy for perforated diverticulitis. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to compare outcomes of patients by surgical approach.

RESULTS

We found a total of 2937 adult patients who underwent emergent colectomy for perforated diverticulitis during 2012-2017. The rate of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was 11.4% with 38.6% conversion rate to open. The 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 8.8% and 65.8%, respectively. Following adjustment using a multivariate analysis, the open approach was associated with higher morbidity (67.2% vs 56.8%, AOR: 1.70, P < .01) and mean hospitalization length of patients (13 days vs 10 days, P < .01) compared to the MIS approach. Respiratory complications of ventilator dependency (14.3% vs 6%, AOR: 2.95, P < .01) and unplanned intubation (7.4% vs 2.4%, AOR: 2.14, P = .03) were significantly higher in the open approach. However, patients who underwent the open approach were older (age >70; 33.5% vs 24%, P < .01) with more comorbid conditions such as COPD (10.8% vs 7.2%, P = .04) and CHF (9% vs 3.1%, P < .0).

CONCLUSION

The MIS approach to emergent partial colectomy for perforated diverticulitis is associated with decreased morbidity and hospitalization length of patients. Utilization of the MIS approach for partial colectomy for perforated diverticulitis is 11.4% with a conversion rate of 38.6%. Efforts should be directed toward increasing the utilization of laparoscopic approaches for the surgical treatment of perforated diverticulitis.

Complicated Diverticular Disease

The modern management of colonic diverticular disease involves grouping patients into uncomplicated or complicated diverticulitis, after which the correct treatment paradigm is instituted. Recent controversies suggest overlap in management strategies between these two groups. While most reports still support surgical intervention for the treatment of complicated diverticular disease, more data are forthcoming suggesting complicated diverticulitis does not merit surgical resection in all scenarios. Given the significant risk for complication in surgery for diverticulitis, careful attention should be paid to patient and procedure selection. Here, we define complicated diverticulitis, discuss options for surgical intervention, and explain strategies for avoiding operative pitfalls that result in early and late postoperative complications.

Colon perforation in multiple myeloma patients - A complication of high-dose steroid treatment

Gastrointestinal complications of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment are common and include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. However, acute gastrointestinal events like perforations are rare. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with MM that had colonic perforations during their treatment. This is a retrospective study that included patients from all three Mayo Clinic sites who had MM and developed a colonic perforation. All patients were diagnosed with colonic perforations based on CT scans and were surgically treated. Patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis, a perforated colon complicating neutropenic colitis during ASCT and those with perforation due to colonic cancer were excluded. A high dose of dexamethasone was defined as ≥40 mg dexamethasone once a week. Thirty patients met inclusion criteria. All patients received steroids at doses ≥10 mg once weekly prior to the perforation, while four (11%) were on high-dose dexamethasone without chemotherapy. Fourteen patients were given high doses of dexamethasone. Twenty-five patients required ostomies with all surviving surgery. Twenty-four perforations (80%) were associated with diverticulitis. Treatment with steroids was resumed in 23 patients with no further gastrointestinal complications. The median OS was 20 months following perforation (IQR 8-59). Within the same timeframe 5854 patients were treated at Mayo Clinic for MM, making the risk of bowel perforation 0.5%. Intestinal perforations in MM are rare and, in our series, always occurred with dexamethasone ≥10 mg per week. Urgent surgery is lifesaving and resumption of anti-myeloma treatment appears to be safe.

Management of Nonoperative Diverticulitis : Is Surgical Admission Always Best?

BACKGROUND

Institutional pathways (IPs) allow efficient utilization of health care resources. Recent literature reports decreased hospital length of stay (LOS), complications, and costs with the admittance of surgical disease to surgical services. Our study aimed to demonstrate that admission to surgery for nonoperative, acute diverticulitis reduces hospital LOS, and cost, with comparable complication rates.

METHODS

In January 2017, we defined IPs for diverticulitis, mandating emergency department admission to a surgical service. Patients admitted from October 2015 to June 2016 (pre-protocol, control cohort) were compared with those admitted January 2017-September 2018 (post-protocol, IP cohort). Primary outcomes included hospital LOS, direct cost, indirect cost, total cost, and 30-day readmission. Student's 2-tailed t-test and chi-square analysis were utilized, with statistical significance P < .05.

RESULTS

Nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis occurred in 62 (74%) patients in the control cohort. One hundred and eleven patients (85%) were admitted to the IP cohort. Patient characteristics were similar, except for a higher percentage of surgical patients utilizing private insurance and younger in age. Interestingly, no difference in hospital LOS (3.8 vs 4.7 days; P = 0.07), direct cost ($2639.44 vs $3251.52; P = .19), or overall cost ($5968.67 vs $6404.08, P = .61) was found between cohorts. Thirty-day readmission rates were comparable at 8% and 11% (P = .59).

CONCLUSION

Institutional policy mandating admissions for patients receiving nonoperative management of diverticulitis to surgical services does not reduce hospital LOS or cost. This argues that admission to medical services may be an acceptable practice. This raises the question, is acute diverticulitis always a surgical issue?

Duodenal Diverticulosis as an Unusual Cause of Severe Abdominal Pain

Duodenal diverticulosis (DD) is a rare disease in children, and its etiology is unknown. Here, we report a 13-year-old boy with severe abdominal pain. A diagnosis of DD was made based on clinical and image findings. He responds to analgesic, antibiotic and nutritional treatment. The early identification of child with DD as potential cause of severe abdominal pain with pancreatitis is important - because delayed diagnosis might lead to irreversible consequences - to avoid morbidity and mortality, and unnecessary surgery.

Necrotizing fasciitis from perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with subsequent pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report

Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum is a very rare form of cutaneous ulceration that is poorly recognized outside of dermatology and in some circumstances has been mistaken for necrotizing fasciitis. Here, we present a rare case of sigmoid diverticulitis with left ureter obstruction that perforated and quickly progressed into necrotizing fasciitis of the left buttock and leg via retroperitoneal spread in an immunocompetent patient. Nearly a year after intense surgical therapy, the patient rapidly developed ulcerating lesions over the left hip which presented a diagnostic dilemma. These were initially thought to represent Marjolin’s ulcers, which would require aggressive local excision. Multiple diagnostic imaging tests and biopsies eventually confirmed pyoderma gangrenosum, which was successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy. This case highlights the need for a very broad differential diagnosis and wide expertise consultation when managing unusual postsurgical complications, especially when treatment modality critically depends on the correct diagnosis.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use May Increase the Risk of Diverticulitis but Not It's Severity among Patients with Colonic Diverticulosis: A Multicenter Study

Colonic diverticular disease, especially diverticulitis constitutes a major cause of hospitalization and an economic burden in developed countries. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the commonest drugs used to treat several diseases affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. A few studies have reported that the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors PPIs caused dysbiosis. In this study, we searched for a relationship between PPI use and the onset and severity of diverticulitis in patients with colonic diverticulosis. In a retrospective study, patients who were hospitalized for documented diverticulitis were enrolled as cases and compared with a control group of patients with uncomplicated diverticulosis. Overall, 613 patients who had a diagnosis of diverticulosis were included in the study, 217 of whom had diverticulitis. After multivariate analysis, the non-modifiable risk factors associated with diverticulitis included: age (p < 0.0001), hypertension (p < 0.0001), chronic renal failure (p = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001), and left colon location (p = 0.02). However, among the modifiable factors, only PPI use (p < 0.0001) showed a significant association. Advanced disease severity (according to Hinchey classification of diverticulitis stages II–IV) was associated with aspirin use (p = 0.0004) and pan-colonic location (p = 0.02). PPI use was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with diverticulitis, but not with its severity, among patients with diverticulosis. This observation should be confirmed in future multicenter prospective studies.

Associations of novel inflammatory markers with long-term outcomes and recurrence of diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as markers of various outcomes of inflammatory and malignant diseases. The association of those markers with short-term outcomes of acute diverticulitis has been discussed in recent studies. This study aimed at evaluation of the association of NLR and PLR with long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

A retrospective single institute study included patients admitted with acute diverticulitis between 2012 and 2016. Associations were analysed of NLR and PLR values at admission with patient outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 456 patients were included in the study. High NLR and PLR values were associated with complicated disease (P < 0.01 for both). Among patients with complicated diverticulitis, for those with high NLR, the interval to a recurrent episode of acute diverticulitis was shorter (68.3 days versus 83.7 days, P = 0.044). Patients with high NLR had higher mean number of readmissions (0.54 versus 0.34, P = 0.035). High NLR (10.06 ± 11.23 versus 7.6 ± 8.04, P = 0.012) and PLR (9.64 days ±10.56 versus 7.47 days ±8.225, P = 0.018) were associated with longer cumulative hospital stay due to acute diverticulitis.

CONCLUSIONS

High NLR and PLR values were associated with recurrence in acute diverticulitis in terms of shorter interval between recurrent episodes and longer cumulative hospitalization days.

Post-Operative Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Long Journey for a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by painful and erythematous papules, pustules or vesicles that rapidly become ulcerative and necrotic. These ulcers have multiple sub-types and can develop anywhere on the body. There are different postulations as to the mechanisms of development for each sub-type. More than half of patients with PG have an underlying disease, with the highest prevalence being inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), followed by inflammatory arthritis and hematological disorders. Post-operative PG should be considered in any patient undergoing surgery who subsequently develops characteristic necrotic lesions with delayed wound healing, fever and severe localized pain. The clinical manifestations and treatment may differ slightly depending on the type and cause of PG. Herein, we present a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and arthritis, who underwent surgery for diverticulosis complicated by colovaginal fistula formation, and subsequently developed a very prolonged course of post-operative pyoderma gangrenosum. This report will address the types of PG, their various manifestations and pathogenesis, as well as the management specific to patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. It is our intent to better understand the sub-types in order to predict and prevent post-operative PG.

Acute diverticulitis: an ongoing economic burden on the health system

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is an increasingly common cause of acute hospital admissions. An understanding of its economic burden is necessary to plan resource allocation, and for targeting health research funding. The aim of this study is to obtain an accurate estimate of the cost of AD, accounting not only for the initial episode, but all related costs incurred during long-term follow-up.

METHODS

The study captures a cohort of patients who had an initial admission for AD from 1 January 2012-31 December 2012, and their treatment over a 6-year period. Cases were identified from a prospectively maintained database, with AD confirmed by computed tomography scan. The primary outcome was total healthcare cost related to AD.

RESULTS

The study included 170 patients. The total cost was NZD1 956 859 with a median cost per patient of NZD4814. A total of 57% of the cost was incurred for the initial inpatient admission, with the remaining 43% incurred through re-admission, follow-up appointments, investigations and management. Half of the total cost was incurred by 11.8% of the cohort. In multivariate analysis, high cost of care was significantly associated with complicated and recurrent disease, operative intervention and length of stay.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an accurate estimate of the overall cost of AD and its sequelae. There are considerable long-term costs associated with the index episode and a large proportion of the expenditure is incurred by a small group that included those with complicated disease. These findings are important for healthcare resource allocation and for targeting health research funding.

C-reactive protein trajectory in the first 48 hours predicts the need for intervention in conservative management of acute diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a useful marker for monitoring response to treatment in sepsis. The aim of this study was to examine the use of CRP trajectory in predicting the need for intervention in conservatively managed patients with acute diverticulitis (AD).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with AD who were managed conservatively was performed. They were divided into four groups based on CRP relative to the median at day 0 and 2: 'Low rise' (levels below median at day 0 and 2), 'High rise' (levels above median at day 0 and 2), 'Rapid rise' (levels below median at day 0 but above median at day 2) and 'Decline' (levels above median at day 0 but below median at day 2).

RESULTS

Intervention was required in 64 of 456 (14%) with 30 (48%) of these performed after day 2 of admission. There were 150 patients (54%) in the 'Low rise', 76 (27%) in the 'Decline', 26 patients (9%) in the 'Rapid rise' and 25 patients (9%) in the 'High rise' groups. Within these groups 5%, 8%, 19% and 32% of patients required intervention (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients with a pelvic abscess were more likely to need intervention (odds ratio 19.1 (confidence interval 6.2-59.4), P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The CRP trajectory during the initial 48 h of admission can predict the need for intervention in AD patients being managed conservatively. Patients with a 'Rapid rise' or 'High rise' in CRP from day 0 to 2 are more likely to need intervention.

Association of Pain Location With Computed Tomography Abnormalities in Emergeny Department Patients With Abdominal Pain

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade the usage of computed tomography (CT) imaging has risen dramatically in emergency department (ED) patients with abdominal pain. Recognizing the potential disadvantages of overuse of CT imaging, efforts are being made to reduce imaging.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the operating characteristics for location of abdominal pain for the entities of acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, and intestinal obstruction. We hypothesized that patients with pain localized to the upper abdomen would be less likely to have CT abnormalities than those with lower abdominal pain.

METHODS

This is a prospective, observational registry of ED patients with abdominal pain, performed in an academic, suburban ED with an annual census of 110,000. Presence of clinically significant CT abnormalities (e.g., appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction) were recorded along with clinical variables including laboratory values, vital signs, reported location of pain, location of tenderness on examination, and physician pretest probability.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 1154 patients was enrolled. Of all patients, 273 cases (24%) had abnormal CT results, including appendicitis (n = 95), diverticulitis (n = 133), and bowel obstruction (n = 49). Right upper quadrant pain was negatively associated with abnormal CT (p = 0.02). Clinician gestalt was highly specific, but lacked sensitivity for the diagnosis of appendicitis, diverticulitis, and obstruction. Twenty-four percent of patients diagnosed with appendicitis had no right lower quadrant pain or tenderness, and 7% of patients with diverticulitis had no left lower quadrant pain or tenderness.

CONCLUSIONS

Localization of abdominal pain by history or physical examination is not sufficient to accurately diagnose intra-abdominal pathology, especially cases of acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, or intestinal obstruction.

Appendiceal Diverticular Disease: A 10-year Retrospective Study of Cases from Tertiary Hospitals in Western Australia

Background: Appendiceal diverticular disease (ADD) is typically a histological diagnosis. Our paper aims to investigate the implications of ADD compared to acute appendicitis (AA). Methods: We conducted a retrospective data collection of patients who had undergone an appen dicectomy in three tertiary hospitals across Western Australia between 2009-2019 and included patients with histopathological diagnoses of ADD and AA. Results: Thirty-seven patients with ADD and forty with AA were included. The mean age in the ADD group was significantly older (p 0.001) at 50.1 compared to the AA group (37.3). The mean white cell count (WCC) in the ADD group was lower than the AA group (11x109/L vs. 13.3x109/L, p 0.001), whereas the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level was greater, although not statistically significant. The ADD group had a greater risk of major surgery (p 0.05) and complications such as appendiceal perforation and appendiceal mass (p 0.05). Post-operative colonoscopy also demon strated a higher incidence of polyps in patients with ADD (19% vs. 2.5%, p 0.001). Conclusion: ADD frequently presents with clinical features indiscernible from AA. Our study demonstrates that ADD is associated with higher rates of appendiceal perforation, polyps and malignancy. We recommend that patients with ADD be advised to have a colonoscopy post-opera tively to rule out underlying malignancy.

Utility of point-of-care ultrasound in patients with suspected diverticulitis in the emergency department

In emergency department (ED) cases with clinically suspected diverticulitis, diagnostic imaging is often needed for diagnostic confirmation, to exclude complications, and to direct patient management. Patients typically undergo a CT scan in the ED; however, in a subset of cases with suspected diverticulitis, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may provide sufficient data to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain a safe plan for outpatient management.We review the main sonographic features of diverticulitis and discuss the diagnostic accuracy and potential benefits of a POCUS First model.

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE INSURANCE INCREASES THE RATES OF SURGERY FOR DIVERTICULITIS

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to examine the effect of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on rates of hospitalization and surgery for diverticulitis.

STUDY SETTINGS

Data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases from 2010 to 2014.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study analyzing adult patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis in the expansion and nonexpansion states, pre (2010-2013) and post (2014) Medicaid expansion.

FINDINGS

There were a total of 159,419 patients in our cohort analysis. 75,575 (49%) in expansion states and 81,844 (51%) in non-expansion states. In multivariable Poisson regression, the rate of surgical procedures for diverticular disease increased among Medicaid patients (IRR 1.80; p<.01) whereas surgery rates in self-pay patients decreased (IRR 0.67; p<.01) in expansion states compared to non-expansion states.

CONCLUSIONS

In states that expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, the rate of surgery for diverticular disease in Medicaid patients increased. Therefore, legislation that increases healthcare access may increase the utilization of surgical care for diverticular disease.

Management and Outcomes of Diverticulitis After Lung Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Most lung transplant patients are older than 50 years. Complications from colonic diverticula are not uncommon, especially with chronic immunosuppression. However, limited data exist regarding the optimal management of these patients. We sought to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of diverticulitis after lung transplant.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study to review patients undergoing lung transplant between 2007 and 2016 with posttransplant acute colonic diverticulitis. Patients were grouped based on medical or surgical management.

RESULTS

Of 512 transplant recipients, 17 (3.32%) developed 26 episodes of diverticulitis over a median follow-up of 39 months. Nine patients had documented diverticulosis on pretransplant colonoscopy. These patients had a higher incidence of surgical intervention for diverticulitis, were more likely to have recurrent diverticulitis, and had longer lengths of stay than patients without pretransplant diverticulosis. Six (35.3%) of 17 patients required surgery (ie, Hartmann procedure; 4 during the initial episode and 2 during their third and fourth episodes); 11 patients (64.7%) were managed with antibiotics alone. Patients in the surgical group presented earlier posttransplant (P = .004) and were on higher doses of tacrolimus (P = .03). Six (46.1%) of 13 patients with medically managed first episodes of diverticulitis experienced recurrence. No recurrence occurred after surgical management. No deaths were attributable to diverticulitis in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pretransplant diverticulosis experienced earlier, more complicated episodes of diverticulitis posttransplant than patients without. Surgical patients received higher doses of tacrolimus and presented earlier than medical patients. Uncomplicated diverticulitis in posttransplant patients can be managed medically, even in the case of recurrent, uncomplicated disease.

Colonic diverticulitis following open-heart surgery: a case report of an unusual postoperative gastrointestinal complication

Diverticulitis, though a common gastrointestinal disease, is rare following open-heart surgery. There is insufficient data regarding its incidence and management post-cardiac surgery. Especially in patients with atypical presentation, diagnosis and management can be challenging. This case outlines one such atypical diverticulitis case in which a 57-year-old female patient developed perforated diverticulitis with pelvic abscess accumulation following left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) repair. Diagnosis, appropriate management and treatment approaches are discussed. Cardiac surgeons should consider the possibility of diverticulitis in patients reporting nonspecific abdominal pain following cardiac surgery to ensure early diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment to prevent associated adverse outcomes.

Jejunal Diverticulosis Complicated by Diverticulitis and Small Bowel Obstruction

Diverticular disease is common in the Western population and can cause considerable morbidity. The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis reaches 60% by the age of 60 years. Small bowel diverticulosis is much rarer and, when present, most commonly occurs in the duodenum. We herein report an elderly woman with jejunal diverticulosis complicated by diverticulitis and small bowel obstruction, who subsequently underwent small bowel resection and primary anastomosis. As demonstrated by this case, jejunal diverticulitis can cause serious complications and given the possibility of recurrence and serious complications, surgical options should be discussed early in the course of medical care. 

Incidental Finding of Diverticulosis of the Appendix with Sessile Serrated Adenoma

Diverticulosis and sessile serrated adenomas of the colon are common findings on routine colonoscopy. However, diverticulosis of the appendix is rare and is usually only discovered due to conversion to diverticulitis or as an incidental finding. Diverticulitis of the appendix can present as appendicitis but is associated with more risks. A pathology report is important in diverticulosis of the appendix due to the association with malignancy. This case report reviews a 52-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with right lower quadrant pain who was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and was incidentally found to have diverticulosis of the appendix with a sessile serrated adenoma.